ATLANTA (AP) -- Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected in parts of north and central Georgia as a cold front sweeps across the region. In addition, a freeze watch has been posted for much of north Georgia for tonight and tomorrow morning.

Forecasters say even stronger gusts -- up to 45 mph -- are possible in a half-dozen counties in the north Georgia mountains.

The National Weather Service said wind advisories covering much of the state would be in effect through early Thursday morning.

Forecasters say the strong winds could bring down trees and branches already weakened by this winter's ice and snow storms.

FREEZE WATCH

The freeze watch was issued because temperatures are expected to dip below freezing across most of north Georgia early tomorrow. Lows in the upper 20s with wind chills in the teens are forecast.

The National Weather Service says anyone with "agricultural interests" in the watch area should make preparations to protect sensitive vegetation and young trees and plants.

The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners (BOC) recently signed a Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), five years after an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) audit of county facilities.